My partner missed her period. Can Unwanted 72 cause a delay?

Question

Hello doctor,

I ejaculated my sperm outside my partner’s vagina; still, I was doubtful, so I gave her the unwanted 72 pill. But my partner has not gotten her period yet? What can I do now?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

This situation is causing a lot of anxiety, but here are the important points clearly and calmly. If she took Unwanted 72 (Levonorgestrel) within the correct time window (within 72 hours of sex), it greatly lowers the chance of pregnancy.

Even if ejaculation happened outside the vagina, emergency contraception was a very cautious step, and it offers strong protection. However, it is very common for periods to become late after taking Unwanted 72.

The high dose of hormones can delay the next period by seven to 10 days, sometimes even a little longer. So a late period does not immediately mean pregnancy. What you can do now is as follows:

If her period is delayed by more than seven days, she should take a urine pregnancy test. This is the only way to know for sure. If the test is negative and still no period after another week, repeat the test.
If tests stay negative but her period does not come at all for three to four weeks, she should see a doctor to check her hormones and cycle changes.
For future protection, avoid relying on withdrawal or guessing safe days. Using condoms or a regular contraceptive method (pills, IUD (intrauterine device), implant) is much safer and will prevent this type of stress.

I hope you find this helpful.

Thank you.